From the remote reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the front lines of global vaccine development, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) professor Kirsten E. Lyke, MD, has charted a career defined by brilliance, persistence, and compassion.The School of Medicine professor and Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health researcher has built a global reputation for vaccine innovation.Because of her impactful work, Lyke has been named the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) 2025 Founders Week Researcher of the Year.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Researcher-of-the-Year-Kirsten-E-Lyke-MD.php

If there is one constant presence during a student’s academic journey at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), it’s Andrea Morgan, DDS, MS.As a clinical assistant professor, director of student advocacy and cultural affairs, and director of student recruitment, Morgan is with students from start to finish, helping them to become not only oral health professionals, but also well-rounded practitioners who deliver attentive care to their patients.The School of Dentistry faculty member supports students throughout their academic journey at the school, helping to produce competent and compassionate oral health professionals.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Educator-of-the-Year-Andrea-Morgan-DDS-MS.php

Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C, has spent more than two decades shaping programs and policies that center community voices and expand opportunity across Baltimore. Known widely as “Dr. K,” she has worked with schools, clinics, neighborhoods, and city hall task forces to ensure that those most affected by trauma and systemic inequities are part of solutions. This year, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has recognized her extraordinary contributions by naming her the 2025 Founders Week Public Servant of the Year.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Public-Servant-of-the-Year-Kyla-Liggett-Creel-PhD-LCSW-C.php

After receiving feedback from students about the revitalized UMB shuttle program, the University will hold three town halls to gain more insight from the UMB community on proposed changes to the service coming in August 2026. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join an upcoming Shuttle Town Hall to receive information, share ideas, ask questions, and help shape a service that best meets the needs of the University community. Town Hall Schedule Oct. 29: In-Person Only 1 to 2 p.m. School of Nursing, Room 130 (auditorium) Nov. 3: In-Person and Virtual 4 to 5 p.m. Francis King Carey School of Law, Room 107 Nov. 10: In-Person Only 1 to 2 p.m. School of Nursing, Room 130 (auditorium)Your input will influence how the new UMB shuttle program takes shape. Visit umaryland.edu/shuttlebus

University of Maryland School of Medicine student Claire Wegner is working with Dr. Alicia Chaves in Pediatric Cardiology to study prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease — and why some families receive that diagnosis too late.Her early findings reveal that mothers of Latino and Hispanic ethnicity and those who prefer non-English languages are significantly less likely to receive a prenatal diagnosis. Understanding these differences can help improve access to care and save more babies’ lives.Breakthroughs Can’t Wait. At UMB, we’re changing the future today.#BreakthroughsCantWaitUMB #PrenatalCare #MaternalHealth #CongenitalHeartDisease #HealthEquity #MedicalResearch #UMBresearch